Anime Reviews

 

Alternative Name:  Blast Of Tempest
Years of Released:  October 5, 2012 – March 29, 2013
Episodes: 24
Genre: Fantasy, Mystery, Romance, Action, Shounen
Favorite Characters : Mahiro
My Rating: PG-14
Grade: A

Summary: The story revolves around Mahiro Fuwa, a teenager whose sister was mysteriously murdered one year before, and his friend Yoshino Takigawa. Mahiro is contacted by Hakaze Kusaribe, the leader of the Kusaribe clan who was left stranded on an unknown deserted island by her followers, and agrees to help Hakaze in exchange for her help to find out the culprit for the death of his family. Upon learning of his friend's intentions, Yoshino joins him on his quest to stand against the Kusaribe clan who intends to awaken the "Tree of Exodus" whose power can bring ruin to the entire world.

My review: A wild collision of two Sharspear's works - Hamlet and Tempest - with a Japanese animation twist on it. There is a lot going on in the show, the story progressing quickly and goes a long way since the beginning. The is magic, friendship, cult, pain, desperation, and love in it. I loved this show so much, especially the time travel part, although I think it could have been much and much better it they would just choose the target audience more clearly and make the anime for a specific age group. It touches very serious and dark themes but from time to time characters act out of character, too immature and animeish. In short, if it wasn't for fan service, it would be a much more solid show.


Recommend: For everyone

 

Alternative Name:  ジャイアントキリング
Years of Released:  April 4, 2010 – September 26, 2010
Episodes: 26
Genre:  Sports
Favorite Characters : Tatsumi, Tsubaki, Gino
My Rating: PG
Grade: A-

Summary: East Tokyo United, ETU, has been struggling in Japan's top football league for a few years. It has taken everything they have just to avoid relegation. To make matters even worse, the fans are starting to abandon the team. In an effort to improve their performance, ETU has hired a new coach, the slightly eccentric Tatsumi Takeshi.

My review:  jr I enjoy sports anime in general and I really enjoyed watching Giant Killing in particular. Why? Maybe because I was made for more grown up auditory with no super-powerful-physically-impossible moves. I was just about football plain and simple. Of course not without a pinch of fan service and a little humor. 

Recommend: For sport anime lovers


Where to watch:     RUS  Here                                          ENG Here 

 

Alternative Name: Shingeki no Kyojin 
Years of Released: April 6, 2013 – September 28, 2013
Episodes: 25
Genre:  Dark fantasy, Distopian, Tragedy
Favorite Characters : Mikasa, Levi
My Rating: R
Grade: A

Summary:  After the wall which protects Eren's hometown is breached by Titans, including the 60-meter skinless Colossus Titan and the abnormally intelligent Armored Titan, a young Eren suffers the death of his mother at the hands of a Titan. Once Eren and his friends are evacuated from the district to safety, he vows revenge against all Titans and later enlists in the military, accompanied by Mikasa and Armin. After a period of grueling training, the three elect to join the Survey Corps which would allow them to leave the safety of the walls and fight the Titans one-on-one.

My review: Disturbing but extremely addicting.  
At first I was as skeptical as ever. Frankly, the show didn't look that appealing or sound very original to me. I thought I was going to be just the next cliche distopian anime, as there are a lot of similar anime out there. Demons, aliens, gigantic insects, you name it are attacking the human race and poor pathetic humans are fighting against them. Sounds familiar? Well, dah! So what makes this show so special then? Good question.
It might be the agonising suspence that is carried out throughout the whole series, or the cliff dropper episode endings, making you click the button to watch the next episode immedietly, or maybe it's unbearable desire to find out the truth, because the further you watch there more questions you get. As I was watching the characters to take one step forward but to meet only defeat I couldn't help but cheer for them. There is a lot of blood, violence, and death in the Titans. Waching another unfortunate fellow be eaten by a titan was making me wince. But I learned early on not to get too attached in this show.
I'm looking forward to the second season hoping it will meet my high expectations. It would be such a waste to ruin this great show.


Recommend: Highly recomended


Where to watch:              RUS Here                                         ENG Here

Alternative Name: Tiger and Bunny
Years of Released: April 3, 2011 – September 18, 2011
Episodes: 25
Genre: Science fiction, Superhero
Favorite Characters : Kotetsu, Blue Rose
My Rating: PG
Grade: B-

Summary:
The series takes place in the year "NC 1978" in a fictional, re-imagined version of New York City called Sternbild City, where 45 years before, superpowered individuals known as "NEXT" started appearing and some of them became superheroes. Each of the city's most famous superheroes work for a sponsor company and their uniforms also contain advertising for real-life companies. Their heroic activity is broadcast on the popular television show "Hero TV", where they accumulate points for each heroic feat accomplished (arresting criminals or saving civilians, for example) and the best ranked hero of the season is crowned "King of Heroes".

My review:
 
Yeah, superhero anime! How insane is that? Truthfully, I nearly choked on my drink when I saw this anime's post, but it turned out to be not so bad after all. The characters were funny, the story was pretty interesting. I didn't really like how they combined 2D and 3D together. My eyes did hurt when I was watching it. I guess it's all true what they write it the beginning of every anime about not to watch it in the dark room. Who knows...

Recommend:
Recommended

Alternative Name: One Outs: Nobody wins, but I.
Years of Released: October 7, 2008 – March 31, 2009
Episodes: 25
Genre:  Sports, Psychological Thriller
Favorite Characters : Tokuchi Toua
My Rating: PG13
Grade: A+

Summary: Hiromichi Kojima, the star batter of the Lycaons, heads to Okinawa to train and bring himself out of a slump. There, he meets Toua Tokuchi, a 110~128 km/h (68~80 mph) pitcher and the undisputed king of a gambling form of baseball called "One Outs". At Kojima's urging, Tokuchi signs up with the Lycaons. His contract, the 'One Outs contract', differs from the usual, though, in that he gets 5,000,000 yen for every out he pitches, but loses 50,000,000 yen for every run he gives up.


My review:
I dicided to write while I'm still under impression after watching this great anime show. I must admit I was pretty skeptical at first, after reading about One Outs and how people could compared it to Death Note or Code Geass. Yes, I was thinking how could possibly some sport anime be compared to a living legend that Death Note is. Well, it turned out it can, if the protagonist is no other that Tokuchi Toua. Just imagine for a second if Light and L would play baseball together? Of course Toua is no Light and it is actually not a bad thing at all. Toua is a genius gambler with a great ability to understand the thought process of other people by reading their gestures, way of speaking, personalty. But the best thing is he knows how to use it, so he manipulates them, playing with their minds, and destroying his opponents from within. I was sitting on the edge of my chair the whole time waiting for more twist and turns of a plot. There is no such feeling as that trill you feel. I wish there were more show like this. Thank you, Mad House, for making Death Note and now One Outs for us!




Recommend: For everyone even if you know nothing of baseball

Alternative Name: Silver Soul
Years of Released: April 4, 2006- Ongoing
Episodes: over 340
Genre:  Samurai, Action, Shounen, Comedy
Favorite Characters : Gintoki, Okita, Hijikata, Katsura, Takasugi
My Rating: PG-13
Grade: A+

Summary:The story starts with teenager Shinpachi Shimura who is saved from a group of aliens attacking him by the samurai Gintoki Sakata. Shinpachi is amazed with Gintoki and decides to start working with him as a freelancer in order to learn "the ways of the samurai" while he helps Gintoki in work to pay the monthly rent from where he lives. Both also meet Kagura, a young female alien who belongs to the Yato Clan, one of the strongest Amanto races. The three of them become known as "Yorozuya" and while they work as freelancer, they also come to meet Gintoki's former comrades during the Amanto's invasion such as the terrorist Kotaro Katsura as well as Shinsuke Takasugi, a major antagonist throughout the series. They also encounter several times the police force Shinsengumi, who normally ally with Yorozuya in their works, since they commonly involve dangerous criminals.


My review:
Gintama is my favorite anime in comedy genre. It's very unique. I have never have seen anything like it. The characters are making fun of their own show as well as mocking the other anime shows. It is very bizarre, inappropriate at times, with practically not plot whatsoever, hilarious mess of a comedy.




Recommend: Definitely the one to check out

Alternative Name: ブリーチ
Years of Released:August 2001 – ongoing
Episodes: About 300. Ongoing.
Genre: Action,Comedy,Supernatural, Shounen, Bangsian fantasy
Favorite Characters :Aizen Sousuke, Byukuya Kuchiki, Grimmjow, Ulquiorra, Gin, Kenpachi, Yumichika, Yoruichi, Toushirou
My Rating:PG-13
Grade:A

Summary:
Ichigo Kurosaki is a teenager gifted with the ability to see spirits. His life is drastically changed by the sudden appearance of a Soul Reaper—one who governs the flow of souls between the human world and the afterlife—named Rukia Kuchiki, who arrives in search of a Hollow, a dangerous lost soul. When Rukia is severely wounded defending Ichigo from the Hollow, she attempts to transfer half of her spiritual pressure energy to Ichigo so that he can defeat the Hollow. However, Ichigo takes almost all of her energy, transforming into a Soul Reaper, With her powers diminished, Rukia is left stranded in the human world until she can recover her strength. In the meantime, Ichigo must take over Rukia's role as a Soul Reaper, battling Hollows and guiding souls to the afterlife realm known as the Soul Society.

My review:
Bleach is of the "Three Whales" of anime as I call them. Those three right now are Naruto, Bleach, and One Piece. They have been on air every week for years and it doesn’t seem like either one is going to end any time soon which if probably a good thing, right? But the problem with such mega popular anime is that the creators are trying to make as much as they can out of it causing story line to suffer. Sometimes they add so called fillers to give time for manga story line progress further. This is very understandable but not less annoying for fans. That is one of the reasons I don’t watch Naruto Shippuden right now and waiting for it to end first as I mentioned in earlier posts. Bleach on the other hand is one of those rare cases when I actually enjoyed watching fillers. They are well thought through and hold the same easygoing atmosphere.

Bleach is really easy to watch and you get hooked right away. It is very funny anime with great fighting, extraordinary characters, and alternative view on afterlife where shinigami (gods of death) are vs. Hollows in a way representing good vs. evil. It was really interesting to get to know the characters and their special abilities and bankai. When I first saw Orihime’s powers I remember thinking “Fairies? Seriously?! You gotta be kidding…” It was a little weird at first but I got used to it eventually. I found myself enjoying watching it and wanting to watch more and more. So don’t hesitate if you have never seen it before and try it but be prepared to spend some time because we are talking about hundreds of episodes here. Have fun!



Recommend:
One of the "Must See" ones

Alternative Name: テニスの王子様
Years of Released: October 10, 2001
Episodes: １７８ + 26 Ova + Extras
Genre: Sports, Shounen, Comedy
Favorite Characters : Fuji Syusuke, Echizen Ryoma, Kikumaru Eiji, Akaya, Atobe, Kaido Kaoru, Tezuka, Inui, Momo
My Rating: PG
Grade: A++

Summary:
The series is primarily set in Tokyo, and centers around Ryoma Echizen, a tennis prodigy who attends Seishun Academy or Seigaku (青学?) for short, a private school famous for its strong tennis club and talented players. Ryoma quickly defeats numerous upperclassmen shortly after entrance to secure himself a spot as one of the team's regulars. In pursuit of their ultimate goal of winning the National Middle School Tennis Championship, members of the team make new friends while learning and mastering increasingly complex techniques. Ryoma also begins to develop his own style of tennis, and eventually realizes what the sport really means to him.

My review:
 Anime is about friendship, how to never give up, to chase your dream or sometimes finding another, to always aim high because there are no bounders. "Fly high and Sky high" as one of the opening songs is saying. It is very inspiring. Loved it. It is very funny and even if you are not really into sports anime genre I'd recommend to give it a try. Prince of Tennis or PoT as fans call it is one of those anime I want to watch over and over again.

Recommend:
Highly recommended

Alternative Name: Darker Than Black: DARKER THAN BLACK-流星の双子-
Years of Released: October 8, 2009 – December 24, 2009
Episodes: 12
Genre: Neo-noir, Supernatural
Favorite Characters : Hei
My Rating: PG-13
Grade: A

Summary:
Sequel to Darker Than Black

My review:
First imprecision was great. Very nice quality, great animation, good plot. I would've gladly give it A++ IF not the ending. It seems like producers love ruin endings in Darker then Black series. It's so frustrating, darn it!

Recommend:
Highly recommended

Alternative Name: Alchemist of Steel
Years of Released: October 4, 2003 – October 2, 2004
Episodes: 51
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Shounen
Favorite Characters : Mustang
My Rating: PG-13
Grade: B

Summary:
Edward and Alphonse Elric are two alchemist brothers searching for the legendary Philosopher's Stone, a powerful object which would allow them to recover their bodies (which were lost in an attempt to bring their mother back to life through alchemy)....


My review:
Well, it was pretty good. I liked all that alchemist theme and Philosopher's Stone and all but somehow I got a bit bored. I made myself to watch it till the end and I really liked the ending (and the fact that it finally ended). I even wanted to watch the next season but decided to wait for awhile. The plot is really good. I know the reasons why I wasn't attached to it. But I know a lot of people like it and I can see why but I guess it's just not my thing )))

Recommend:
You should definitely try it.

Alternative Name: NARUTO
Years of Released: October 3, 2002 – February 8, 2007
Episodes: 220 (9 seasons)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Martial Arts, Shounen
Favorite Characters : Kakashi, Itachi, Shikamaru, Naruto, Sasuke, Gaara, Neji
My Rating: PG
Grade: A

Summary:
Naruto Uzumaki is a young boy who has the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox sealed within him. Twelve years before the start of the series, the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox attacked the ninja village Konohagakure, slaughtering many people. In response, the leader of Konohagakure – the Fourth Hokage – sacrificed his life to seal the demon inside his own son Naruto when he was a newborn. Konohagakure, however, regarded Naruto as if he were the demon fox itself and mistreated him throughout most of his childhood. A decree made by the Third Hokage forbade anyone mention the attack of the demon fox to anyone. Years later, Naruto was tricked by the renegade ninja Mizuki into stealing a forbidden scroll, but was stopped by his teacher, Iruka Umino. That encounter made Naruto realize he was the container of the demon fox.

My review:
I love Naruto. Now I can see why it is so popular. I took me awhile to get into all that ninja stuff and now I'm completely cool with that. It got so intense starting from 110 but too bad it didn't last long. If not all the fillers(which are 80 episodes) I would give it an A+. I bet Naruto fans agree with me on that one. But things the way they are so can't do much about it. I love Kakashi! He is one of the funny elements in Naruto. I think I will LOVE Naruto even more when it's over because it has been dragging on for so long now in Naruto Shippuden and I simply don't have enough patience to wait for episode every week. I'll watch the whole thing again when it's over. But anyway I'd say go for it. I know kids love it. I was talking to my 10 year old nephew using Naruto language and I was given that look from his father as if I'm insane. If poor guy doesn't know what is SHARINGAN or BYAKUGAN mean it's not my fault, right? He just doesn't get it...


Recommend:
Worth watching if you have time and patience...

Alternative Name: Reborn!
Years of Released: October 7, 2006
Episodes: 1-33(Season1)/34-73(Season2)
Genre: Action, Shounen, Comedy, Mafia, Supernatural
Favorite Characters : Kyoya Hibari, Dino, Gokudera, Yamamoto, Squalo, Tsuna, Bel or "Prince the Ripper", Mukuro Rokudo
My Rating: G/G
Grade: A+/A+

Summary:
The Reborn! story revolves around a boy named Tsunayoshi "Tsuna" Sawada, who is chosen to become the Vongola Family's boss due to him being the great-great-great grandson of the first Vongola boss, who had moved to Japan from Italy during his time. Also, the other candidates for the position of the head of the Vongola Family died. For these reasons, Tsuna is the only remaining heir. As such, Timoteo a.k.a. "Vongola IX," the current head of the family, sends Reborn, an infant hitman from Italy, to train Tsuna. Tsuna then unwillingly undergoes training from Reborn. Reborn's main method of teaching Tsuna is the "Dying Will Bullet" ("Deathperation Shot" in Viz Media's translation of the manga), which will make the person be "reborn" with a stronger self intent on fulfilling his dying will. Through his experiences, Tsuna unconsciously becomes stronger and more confident, which ultimately makes him better suited as the Vongola Family's boss despite continuing to reject his Mafia inheritance.

My review:
I absolutely LOVE it. I don't remember the last time I got so emotionally involved in anime since my I was watching Sailor moon as a kid. It really reminded me of how kids get exited about things and I felt like a child one more time! The first season was got me warmed up and prepared to the second which is my favorite so far! I'll write about 3rd and 4th later when the 5th will end(even though it barely started) cause they are all linked together. Great characters and humor. They really make Mafia theme work in my opinion. Plot is very dynamic which is great. I liked that there weren't a lot of "fillers". Only a little in first season but it wasn't too bad. It got more and more interesting with each arc. Very recommended.

Recommend:
Go for it!

Alternative Name: ソウルイーター
Years of Released: April 7, 2008
Episodes: 51
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Action, Shounen,
Favorite Characters : Death The Kid, Soul, Kishin, Black Star
My Rating: PG-16
Grade: A+

Summary:
In a world where technicians wield the select humans who can turn into weapons, Shinigami-sama created a school to teach young technicians and their shape shifting partners what it means to be a just death god. In order to create the ultimate weapon, the students of the school must collect the souls of 99 evil humans and 1 witch.

My review:
I didn't expect it to be that good. It was a nice surprise. Anime is full of bright characters and humor. My favorite is Death The Kid with his cute obsession with symmetry. Also Soul, Maka and Black Star are great. Excalibur that drives everyone nuts... Fun! Even though the end was a bit cheesy it didn't change my opinion of anime at all. Great job! Can't wait for second season!!!

Recommend:
Cheak it out!

Alternative Name: none
Years of Released: June 14, 2007
Episodes: 12
Genre: Action, Supernatural, Shounen
Favorite Characters : Dante
My Rating: PG-16
Grade: B+

Summary:
The series is based on the manga and novel volumes, and sees the return of series regulars, Trish and Lady.
In the show, Dante runs his devil-hunting business, Devil May Cry, while struggling under constant financial debt. There are also two new regular characters - Dante's agent Morrison who visits frequently, and Patty Lowell, a young orphan girl he saved in the first episode, who also visits frequently and shares a father-daughter relationship.
While the show's stories were mostly self-contained, a season-long plot was introduced in the first episode and came to the forefront in episodes 10, 11, and 12.

My review:
I enjoyed it. It wasn't the best anime I've ever seen but good enough. There was some blood but I didn't mind it cause it didn't look real. Dante is a cool dude :)

Recommend:
Take a look.

Alternative Name: Mountain Summit, Ashita no Yoichi
Years of Released: January 8, 2009
Episodes: 24
Genre: Comedy, Ecchi, Martial Arts, Romance, Shounen
Favorite Characters : none
My Rating: PG-16
Grade: C

Summary:
A boy swordsman, Yoichi and his father stays in mountain training for his descent from the mountain. Yoichi comes to the city to lodge and stay with 4 beautiful sisters. A new more severe "training" regiment awaits him.

My review:
Didn't really like it. Firstly it is Ecchi. Secondly the plot was blurred. Thirdly the end was... it's like there was no end at all. I honestly expected more. That might be my mistake.

Recommend:
If you like ecchi.

Alternative Name: To Aru Majutsu no Index, Toaru Majutsu no Kinsho Mokuroku
Years of Released: October 4, 2008
Episodes: 24
Genre: Fantasy, Shounen, Supernatural
Favorite Characters : Accelerator
My Rating: PG-13
Grade: B-

Summary:
The story is set in a world where supernatural powers exist through science, and magic exists through religion.
In the story, Tōma Kamijō is an ordinary high school boy with terrible academic scores and a power called Imagine Breaker. Imagine Breaker can defeat any other power, but it also undermines Kamijō's own good luck. His Imagine Breaker's immense strength is literally immeasurable, so hapless Kamijō is listed at the supernatural level of 0. He happens to meet a girl in white hanging off his window balcony. The girl says she is being chased by sorcerers, and Kamijō learns that the girl is a Church of England nun whose memories have been forcibly replaced by Index-Librorum-Prohibitorum — the 103,000 forbidden texts of the Church.

My review:
Ok. That was a bit weird especially Church thing. Fighting scenes had too much talking and were too theatrical in my opinion. Weirdness and Pathos: those are the things that come to my mind when I think about Magical Index. The only character I really liked was Accelerator.
P.S. : I would give an A to Index Special. I laughed so hard when I was watching it.

Recommend:
Go ahead!

Alternative Name: Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion/ Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2
Years of Released: October 5, 2006/ April 6, 2008
Episodes: 25/ 25
Genre: Action, Drama, Mecha, Shounen,
Favorite Characters : Leluoch, C.C., Euphemia, Anya
My Rating: PG-13
Grade: A+

Summary:
he Empire of Brittania has invaded Japan using giant robot weapons called Knightmare Frames. Japan is now referred to as Area 11, and its people the 11s. A Brittanian who was living in Japan at the time, Lelouch, vowed to his Japanese friend Suzaku that he'd destroy Brittania. Years later, Lelouch is in high school, but regularly skips out of school to go play chess and gamble on himself.
One day, he stumbles on terrorists 11s who've stolen a military secret and is caught by a member of the Brittanian task force sent after them, who is Suzaku. As the rest of the squad arrives, Suzaku is shot for disobeying orders, while the military secret, a young girl, gives Lelouch the power to make anyone obey any order. He takes command of the terrorists and leads them to crush the approaching Brittanian force. However, Suzaku is secretly made the pilot of Brittania's brand new test model Knightmare, Lancelot. Lelouch becomes the masked king Zero to lead the rebellion to defeat Brittania...

My review:
To tell you the truth I started watching it twice. The first time I didn't really got into the story. I thought it was boring. But after reading reviews on Geass I decided to give it one more shot and... I got hooked! And it all started. It was kinda hard to watch because I was so worried about Lulu and wanted him to succeed. It kept me on my toes the whole time. They've done a great job here! I say no more... just check it out!

Recommend:
Check it out for sure!

Alternative Name: Desu Nōto
Years of Released: October 3, 2006
Episodes: 37
Genre: Mystery, Psychological, Shounen, Supernatural, Detective, Thriller
Favorite Characters : L, Ryuk, Mello, Matt, Light
My Rating: PG-16
Grade: A++

Summary:
An overachieving 12th grader, Yagami Light is an aspiring young man who seems destined for success. Unfortunately, his daily habits bore his incredible intelligence--So when a strange black notebook fell from the heavens during his class, it wasn't long before he had taken it. In his room, he finds, to his horror/fascination, that the Death Note is real, and owned by Ryuk, a Shinigami (Death God).
Any person's name written in the Death note will kill that person in 40 seconds.... without fail.
With this supposed gift of God, Light swears upon his grave that he will 'cleanse' the world of the evil and needless people that inhabit it, thus creating a utopia for all. With the world's greatest detective, L, hot on his tail, will Light's ideals prove too fantastic to realize, or will he succeed bringing justice?

My review:
This is an Epic anime... I saw many people who didn't like anime at all, and after they started watching Death Note they just couldn't stop. It really gets to you making you say to yourself "Just one more episode...". Fantastic plot, characters, and music. The best thing was a brain battle between L and Kira. It was really neat to be able to hear their thought when they tried to investigate each other. It added such an excitement. Good moral questions were brought forward. Pure Trill.

"L...did you know...that gods of death...love apples?"

Recommend:
"MUST SEE" anime